Raanan Katz

Owner of RK Centers/Limited Partner of the Miami Heat

Summary

Raanan Katz leads RK Centers, a family-held enterprise that owns in excess of 6 million square feet of commercial property throughout Boston, greater New England, and South Florida. Raanan Katz adheres to the principle of operating with minimal debt, a core business philosophy gained over several decades in the industry. This approach reduces leverage, allowing his firm to weather sustained periods of market uncertainty. Maintaining close working relations with tenants, customers, and local and regional entities, Mr. Katz focuses development efforts on open-air retail centers. He initially moved to the United States in 1962 as an Israeli national basketball team member, pursuing a dream of success. He played with the Atlantic City Seagulls for a year, utilizing money earned in sports for an initial Boston real estate purchase. Over a period of 15 years, Raanan Katz expanded the enterprise to encompass more than 2,000 apartment units throughout the greater Boston area. In 1979, Raanan Katz expanded his operations to Miami Beach, an area in which he had owned a residence since 1974. Purchasing his initial block of retail units as a hobby investment, he gradually built a substantial portfolio of South Florida properties. In 1991, he made the decision to establish a new Miami office that could manage local properties effectively. In 1986, Mr. Katz re-established his professional relationship with basketball, becoming an original partner in the expansion Miami Heat franchise. He has served as Limited Partner since the team’s inaugural 1988 season, working to develop one of the NBA’s consistently profitable teams. Raanan Katz has earned a number of distinctions over the years, notably the 2004 Metro South Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Impact Award for the Brockton, Massachusetts, Middletown shopping plaza.

Education

My Blog

When I came to the United States in 1962, my ambition was to join the National Basketball Association. I had distinguished myself on the Israeli national team and was invited to train with the Boston Celtics. My path to the NBA, however, would turn out to be more circuitous.

After training, I went on to play with the US All Stars, a team that worked with the Harlem Globetrotters as a sparring team. When I left, my earnings were enough to buy an apartment building in Boston. I had not given up on the world of basketball, but I realized I had other talents that would help me succeed.

After a number of years in residential and, increasingly, commercial real estate, I made my way to Miami Beach. I became a founding partner of the Miami Heat, which was recognized as an NBA franchise in 1986 and began competing in 1988. Since then, we have become a highly successful team, both athletically and financially. Every time I watch a game at courtside, I get the satisfaction of knowing that my years of hard work have paid off. It is a thrill to watch today’s players and to see where their paths take them in the future.

About the author: Raanan Katz is the owner of RK Centers, a commercial property company.

The Economic Value of Commercial Building Maintenance By Raanan Katz

Work History

1980Present

Owner

RK Associates

Founded by Raanan Katz, RK Centers owns over 7,000,000 square ft. of property in New England and South Florida.